COS Town Tidings #24-254

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 State of the City Major Milestones💡

📰 Vigilance Is Key: Spotting Insider Threats⚠️

📰 A Special Honor for a Local Legend🏅

🔥 Trivia Time: What Heated Early Colorado Springs Homes?

📆 Local Events

🌦 COS Weather - Very warm with isolated showers possible

In his 2024 State of the City address yesterday, Mayor Yemi celebrated significant progress in five strategic areas, including public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The Police Department is nearing full strength, and the Fire Department has expanded.

Infrastructure saw the repaving of 162 miles and the removal of 2,900 tons of debris.

Efforts to alleviate the city’s 27,000-unit housing shortage continue, with $1.6 million allocated for new units. The city’s economy grew by 8.5 percent, bolstered by developments at the Colorado Springs Airport and Peak Innovation Park.

Community programs addressing mental health and neighborhood engagement were also highlighted, along with the appointment of a new Chief Housing and Homelessness Response Officer.

National Insider Threat Awareness Month highlights the ongoing effort to address insider threats within the military, which include risks like data breaches and terrorist activity. The Army has developed training and tools, such as iWATCH Army and iSALUTE, to empower service members and civilians to identify and report suspicious behaviors. While not all indicators are definitive signs of violence, they signal potential threats that need attention. At Fort Carson, the antiterrorism officer oversees the compliance and education efforts surrounding these threats, stressing that everyone plays a role in keeping the community safe.

Richard Skorman, the owner of the iconic Poor Richard’s complex and former City Councilmember, will receive the Mayor’s Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award today! Skorman, who has been a central figure in the community since moving here in the 1970s, has dedicated decades to both business and public service. As a key player in creating the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program, Skorman’s efforts have had a lasting impact on preserving the natural beauty of the region. If you’re visiting downtown, stop by Poor Richard’s and congratulate him on this much-deserved honor. Full Story

In the early days of Colorado Springs, heating homes was a complex affair. While water services were managed by the city from its 1871 founding, gas and electricity were provided by a hodgepodge of private companies. This led to an intriguing period of citizen activism and debate about the future of the city's utilities which lead to the creation of Colorado Springs Gas and Coke Company. One particular energy source played a crucial role in both heating and lighting the growing city.

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